The Little Bit Foundation is holding its first Laura’s Run 4 Kids on Saturday. Proceeds will go toward meeting basic needs for more than 11,000 children at dozens of schools in the city and county. Founded by KMOV's Laura Hettiger, the event includes a competitive 5K, a family fun run, family-friendly activities, and free food from Chick-fil-A.

“The run was the brainchild of Laura,” says Little Bit Foundation communications director Stacy Lupo. “As an avid runner, this was a natural fit when she thought about ways she could use her position and recognition to support Little Bit in a big way.”

Organizers hope to make it an annual fundraiser. “This is a dream come true for Little Bit,” adds Lupo. "For many years, we've wanted to hold an event that the entire community could attend, that would bring a spirit of hope and working together for better futures for the kids of St. Louis."

More than 250 runners have registered for the run, and organizers are hoping to see 300-plus participants on race day. Runners can still register online and Saturday at the event village, which opens at 7 a.m. The 5K begins at 8 a.m., and the family fun run starts at 9 a.m. on the corner of Martin Luther King Drive and North Second Street downtown. Other festivities include face-painting, a visit from Fredbird and Louie, and entertainment from Circus Kaput.

Individual registration is $35. Families can register for $125, and groups of 10 can register for a discounted rate of $300. Donors can also sponsor a student runner for $35. Follow the foundation on social media to check on weather-related delays or cancellations.